Last call for designers for prestigious prize

The 2016 winning entry for the The Middle East Emergent Designer Prize: Glow by Ranim Orouk. Courtesy The Middle East Emergent Designer Prize

Budding designers look out. There are only a few days left to enter the fifth annual Middle East Emergent Designer Prize by Van Cleef & Arpels in collaboration with Tashkeel and Design Days Dubai. The competition calls for works inspired by the theme of growth and the winner will be announced at Design Days Dubai, set to take place in March. The winner will receive a production budget of Dh30,000 and a five day trip to the L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris. The final piece will be unveiled in November 2017 alongside works of finalists and semi- finalists.

The theme touches upon of the importance of both physical and intellectual growth; participants are asked submit designs for products that reflect growth related to the aesthetics of their culture, expressing their attitudes towards education and aspirations to grow, whilst serving the practical needs of the contemporary society. Finalists will be selected based on based on creativity, innovation and aesthetics.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with Van Cleef & Arpels for the fifth year to provide a platform for budding designers in the region. Design is a powerful tool to commemorate and evoke growth and participants are encouraged to interpret the theme as they wish,” says Jill Hoyle, manager of Tashkeel.

Submissions to The Middle East Emergent Designer Prize are being accepted until January 15. A completed application form with digital files should be emailed to [e-mail] (Subject: Van Cleef & Arpels Designer Prize 2017, name of designer).